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Press Release

PRESS RELEASE NO. 11-2022


Chicago PCG holds virtual panel discussion "Women Taking Up Space in A Man's World" to conclude the celebration of National Women's Month


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Chicago, 01 April 2022 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago conducted a virtual panel discussion entitled, “Women Taking Up Space in a Man’s World” on 31 March 2022 to conclude the celebration of the 2022 National Women’s Month. This virtual event featured six (6) Filipino and Filipino-American women achievers, namely:

  • 1. Dr. Susan Gumabao Flores – Philippine Honorary Consul in Ohio (Health Care and Medicine)
  • 2. Atty. Jovelyn Larson – Vice President for Strategic Sourcing and Procurement, The Huntington Bank (Banking and Finance)
  • 3. Atty. Janice Dantes – Owner, Pinay Law LLC (Legal Profession)
  • 4. Ms. Louella Rose Cabalona – Senior Manager for Data and Analytics Solutions, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Illinois (IT Industry)
  • 5. Ms. Kathy Vega Hardy – Chef/Owner, A Taste of the Philippines (Culinary Arts)
  • 6. Ms. Xyza Cruz Bacani – Acclaimed Photographer and Author of “We Are Like Air” (Visual Arts)

  • During the virtual panel discussion, which was organized and moderated by Consul Ryan Pondoc, the speakers talked about their personal and professional journey in life, including the struggles and challenges they have to face in their quest for excellence and success. Later on, during the Question and Answer portion, they exchanged views and perspectives on some important questions facing women around the around, such as how to encourage more women participation in the different fields and professions which are dominated by men, what success means to them, and how to attain work-life balance.


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    Ms. Xyza Cruz Bacani, Consul Ryan Pondoc, Atty. Janice Dantes (first row, left to right), Atty. Jovelyn Larson,
    Dr. Susan Gumabao Flores, Ms. Louella Rose Cabalona (second row, left to right), and Ms. Kathy Vega Hardy (last row).


    The speakers thanked the Philippine Consulate and Consul General J. Susana V. Paez for giving them a platform to share their individual stories, promote women empowerment, and provide inspiration to other women and young girls to continue their journey towards success and find their place in this world.